Home Remedies for a Summer Cold

Summer Cold

People consider summer colds worst because they think summers are for ice-creams, swimming and cold shakes and they feel they are not supposed to have a cold in summers.

Contrary to popular belief, summer colds are common, and winters are not prerequisite to catch a cold. You can have summer cold even on the hottest day in summer.

What Causes Summer Cold

Rhinoviruses are responsible for finding a cold in winters and summer colds are caused by a different group of viruses called enterovirus.

You can catch summer cold when you drink contaminated water or when you come in close contact with an infected person.

What are the Sign and Symptoms of Summer Cold

Signs and symptoms of summer cold include sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, conjunctivitis, sore throat, coughing, fever and congestion. Few people may also develop rashes. Some people even mistake them for allergies.

Similar to winter colds, summer cold does not need any medication. We can naturally manage the symptoms wait for the immune system to do the job.

Home Remedies for Summer Colds:

Saline Rinse

Saline water helps in clearing the built-up mucous from the nostrils. It acts as a nasal decongestant, and therefore it makes breathing smooth and comfortable. Excess mucus can lead to bacterial build-up causing swelling and stuffiness.

Add one teaspoon of sea salt to a cup of Luke warm water. Add a pinch of baking soda to it. With the help of a dropper, put few drops of this solution into your nostrils. Your head should be tilted back.

Steam Inhalation to get rid of summer cold

It is one of the most effective home remedies for a summer cold. It involves inhalation of moist and warm air into the lungs. This allows clearing of the blocked passage. It also helps in improving blood circulation, therefore, cures headaches and migraines. It acts as a natural expectorant

Take a bowl, fill it with boiling water. Hold your face over the bowl, and keep a towel over your head to trap the steam. Inhale the steam for few seconds/minutes according to your comfort level. Keep your eyes closed. Take a deep breath while steaming inhalation. You can also add few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, chamomile and lemongrass or menthol can also be added to the hot water for soothing benefits. Electric steam inhalers are also available in the market

Ginger-

Ginger is inexpensive and readily available in every season. It has anti-inflammatory properties which help in relieving a sore throat.

Grate ginger and strain it to get its juice, mix few drops of honey and consume this two times in a day. You can also make ginger tea, by boiling grated ginger in water. Strain the water and flavour the tea with some honey. Drink 2 -3 cups daily until you are well.

Cinnamon-

Add one tablespoon of cinnamon powder and two cloves in boiling water boil them for 5 – 10 minutes, strain the infused liquid and drink it two times daily. You can also take a ¼ spoon of cinnamon powder in one one tablespoon honey, take this 2 – 3 times daily

Apple Cider Vinegar-

Apple cider vinegar help in creating an alkaline environment, which does not allow multiplication of viruses and bacteria. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup Luke water; you may drink it or gargle with it.

Vitamin C-

Eat fruits rich in vitamin C such as – oranges, lemons, papayas, broccoli etc. they help in boosting your immunity and

Turmeric to Get Rid of Summer Cold-

Add a pinch of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink it twice daily, you may also grate raw turmeric if it is available.

Keep yourself hydrated. Drink ample amount of fluids like water and juices. It is essential to see a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms such as fever above 103 F. Fever more than a week, difficulty in breathing, ear pain, severe headache and wheezing are also symptoms to be concerned and meet your doctor as soon as possible.

The best way to keep summer cold at bay is prevention. Always wash your hands and use hand sanitizers. Ensure adequate sleep. Avoid stress. Eat healthy food like fruits and vegetables and exercise regularly.